Summary: Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher wrote letters of support for their former co-star Danny Masterson before he was convicted of rape. In his letter, Kunis called Masterson a “role model” with “exceptional character,” and Kutcher sought to ensure his character was factored into the decision. The letters from Kunis and Kutcher demonstrate the problem of power in the film industry, where the words of the accused often take precedence over the words of the victim.
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher wrote letters of support for their former That ’70s Show co-star Danny Masterson ahead of his sentencing. Masterson, who played the beloved character Hyde on That ’70s Show, was publicly accused of rape in 2017. These charges stemmed from alleged rapes committed at his home in 2001 and 2003. Masterson was ultimately found guilty of two of these charges previously. this year and was recently sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
According to Variety, Kutcher and Kunis are among those who wrote letters of support to Masterson ahead of his sentencing. In her letter, Kunis called Masterson a “role model” with “exceptional character.” In his letter, Kutcher sought to ensure that his “evidence regarding his (Masterson’s) character be considered in sentencing.” Kunis and Kutcher were two of 50 people who wrote letters to the judge in light of the allegations against Masterson. Kutcher wrote in his letter:
“Whilst I know that he was convicted on two charges of rape by force and that the victims are very keen for justice, I hope that my evidence about his character will be taken into account in the sentence. I do not believe that he is a continuing danger to society, and if his daughter were to grow up without her father’s presence, that in itself would be an injustice. Thank you for taking the time to read this.”
Kunis’ letter said:
“I fully vouch for the exceptional character of Danny Masterson and the wonderful positive impact he has had on me and those around me. His commitment to living a drug-free life and the genuine care he provides for others make him a role model and an exceptional friend.”
Why Kunis and Kutcher’s letters are problematic to review
In Masterson’s case, justice was served. His allegations were taken seriously, leading to an indictment and now a conviction. Additionally, his actions had consequences even before his sentencing, as Masterson was fired from his show The Ranch and fired from his talent agency following the allegations in 2017, and was not invited back to the sequel to That ’70s Show. on Netflix, That ’90s Show. .
However, Kunis and Kutcher’s words before the sentencing illustrate the power problem that exists when it comes to powerful people in Hollywood. While the #MeToo movement is beginning to change this trend, there is still a tendency to favor the words of the accused over those of the victim when it comes to a talent as respected and prominent as Masterson. Moreover, Kutcher’s position that Masterson did not pose an “ongoing danger to society” contributes to the rejection of victims who came forward years after the act of rape and sexual assault.
In another world, Kutcher and Kunis’ letters of support for their former That ’70s Show co-star might have had a greater impact on the outcome of Masterson’s case, given their influence. In the process, Kunis and Kutcher unfortunately further damaged the already compromised legacy of That ’70s Show as they chose to side with their rapist co-star. Fortunately, the court did not do that in this case, and Masterson’s victims can get the justice they deserve.
Source: Variety